GOOD ALL ROUNDERS

The combination of Clarins’ reformulated Double Serum and Extra Firming duo makes skin brighter, tighter, smoother and younger-looking in just four weeks.

By Aileen Lalor

When you’re buying skin-care, brands mostly tell you to pick the concern that bugs you most and treat it first, whether it’s an uneven complexion, saggy jowls or fine lines. But what if – like many women – you have all those problems and hate them equally? Clarins has come up with a solution: anti-aging products that can be used by pretty much anyone, and promise to tackle everything.

First up, there’s the classic Double Serum, which was launched in 1985 and is now in its eighth generation. It’s still in its innovative bi-phase (half oil-based, half water-based) formulation, but now contains 21 plant extracts including superfood ingredient turmeric. “These help stimulate the skin’s five vital functions: hydration, nutrition, nutrition, oxygenation, protection and regeneration – it’s our most powerful age-control concentrate ever,” says Karine Paris, Clarins public relations specialist. In terms of tangible results, that means within four weeks, wrinkles are shorter and less deep, skin is more elastic and pores that appear smaller. You also get eight hours of hydration and the serum suits even sensitive skin. Paris says it’s ideal for anyone with signs of aging, from age 25 up.

Double Serum’s perfect partner is the brand’s Extra-firming range, which comprises day and night creams. These are aimed at people aged 40 and over who are starting to see more signs of aging such as a less defined jawline and overall slacker skin. It’s also a reformulation (the product has been around since the late 1970s). This time round, it’s designed to restore skin’s “youthful spring,” which means the skin resists stretching and pressure, and bounces back into shape. Both the night and day creams contain botanical ingredients that stimulate collagen and elastin production, promote regeneration and strengthen the skin. The night cream also has an ingredient that increases intensive night-time regeneration during the so-called “golden hour,” between 11pm and 2am when skin is in full repair mode.

Overall, skin feels firmer and smoother and looks brighter and more even in colour, and visible results start to appear in seven days.

Since skincare is a sensorial experience, the creams have all-new textures – melting for the day cream and creamy for the night. And as with all Clarins products, the serum and creams have special application techniques, which are inspired by pro-spa massages and promise to optimize the products’ efficacy. First, warm the serum or cream in your hands, next, distribute it all over your face, and finally, massage it into skin, away from the centre of the face (check out the specific method on Youtube). According to Paris, this can stimulate circulation, restore radiance, and maintain firm skin.